With one of the most bizarre dictators, Libya can celebrate its freedom one year on from the revolution; Morocco's main telecom provider blocks Skype; Egypt's NGO controversy- Has the U.S. gone too far? ; More of that Middle Eastern "flowery behavior".

After decades of dealing with Ghaddaffi's oppression, Libyan can now celebrate the passing of one year since the revolution. Although Libya still has a long way to go, this blogger reserves her criticism in order to celebrate. And it is a celebration that is well worth it.
"Libyans and non Libyans have spontaneously overtaken the streets all over Libyan cities to celebrate their hard earned freedom."

Although this is mainly a food blog (you would never guess by the title), Libyan Food has dedicated a post for the happy event of the first anniversary of the revolution. Also, in honor of this event, they have started a Tumblr page sharing pictures from the golden years of Libya from different cities.
Well worth a look for history lovers, Libyans or those who harbor a general interest in Libya's vintage cultural landmarks.

Morocco’s main telecom provider blocks access to Skype and other VoIP services

A French-language Moroccan blog details how Morocco has blocked Skype and other VoIP services, such as Viber. Unlike its Middle Eastern counterparts, the reason is not free speech or coercive government cover-ups. It's just the same old reason: to gain a monopoly on the telecom market, as these services take away expenditures on both national and international calls.
"The blog goes on to say that the telecom provider is 'protecting itself against competition, pushing customers to use its own services instead of free services like Skype, TeamSpeak or Viber.'"

It has been circulating that the U.S. government has been using Aid programs and NGOs to coerce and infiltrate "problem" governments for a while now. Yet, with the NGO fiasco in Egypt, this issue is ripped open for public debate and condemnation.
"The United States, furthermore, should not be understood as a ‘righteous’ nation with which to deal. It uses its ‘aid’ to pressure every nation of the region – save Turkey and Iran – into supporting Israel, while paying lip service to principles of democracy, freedom, and rule of law."

Looking back on a previous entry on "flowery words", now this blogger tackles "flowery behavior". Visiting an Arab for a dinner/lunch/'spontaneous visit' is always an over-the-top affair. So, accepting Middle Eastern hospitality: damned if you, damned if you don't.
"But here is the kicker, you have to do all these things and accept the advances of your hosts graciously because if you don’t it would be considered an insult. Don’t like coffee? Suck it up, and drink it! Don’t like meat? Who cares! You gotta eat it!"